Kitchen Remodeling Lexington KY can range from a cosmetic upgrade of surfaces and appliances to a complete gut renovation. Regardless of the scope, be realistic about what will work for your lifestyle and be smart about adding extras that may limit future home-buyers home-buyers interest.
Set aside a percentage of your budget for unexpected expenses. These are often unavoidable, such as running out of paint or needing to re-route plumbing or electrical lines.
The first step in any kitchen renovation is defining the goals for the project. Whether it’s increasing storage, incorporating new appliances, or adding a more spacious layout, it’s important to identify these key elements early on and budget accordingly.
The next step is planning the kitchen’s layout and design. This can include everything from the number of countertops and cabinets to where the sink and stove will be placed. Including additional features like an island or an extra pantry is also a good idea.
Once the layout and design have been finalized, it’s time to start procuring materials for the project. Start by asking for referrals from friends, family, and coworkers or searching online for local contractors. It’s also a good idea to contact your local NKBA, NARI, or NAHB chapter for recommendations.
When finding the right contractor, don’t feel free to ask about their experience in kitchen remodeling projects. They should be able to explain how the process works and provide examples of past work they’ve completed. Some contractors even offer architectural or design services to give customers a more turnkey solution. This can reduce costs and save time by allowing the contractor to handle structural and design changes.
A kitchen remodel is a great opportunity to upgrade appliances, enhancing the room’s aesthetic and functionality. Whether you want to install an energy-efficient fridge, an oven that cooks at the perfect temperature, or a dishwasher with decibel ratings that align with your lifestyle, there are plenty of options from which to choose.
Infuse your new space with design features that reflect your style, such as glossy backsplashes and eye-catching drawer handles. However, it’s important to be careful not to over-customize your kitchen. If you plan to sell your home, ensure your remodeling choices appeal to a wide range of buyers.
Kitchen remodels are often expensive, and hiring a professional can help ensure your project is completed correctly. Experts are skilled at taking accurate measurements and spotting any potential problems. Additionally, professionals can access a wider selection of products and materials than consumers. This includes a variety of colors and finishes, as well as energy-efficient and environmentally friendly models. Additionally, contractors can recommend and install lighting solutions that maximize the function of your new kitchen. This could include recessed lights, pendants, and under-cabinet fixtures. These are subtle yet effective ways to elevate your kitchen’skitchen’s design and create a welcoming atmosphere for family and guests.
Lighting is a critical element to consider for your kitchen remodeling project. The right lighting helps illuminate your new kitchen while highlighting key design elements and creating an inviting mood for you and your family. Our team can help you create a well-lit, functional, and visually appealing space using layers of lighting, including ambient, task, and accent.
Overhead lighting, such as recessed or surface-mounted fixtures, can provide ambient light to the kitchen. The best option is to use a dimmable fixture to control the light you want in your space. Currently, recessed lighting is popular, but pendants or flush-mount fixtures can also work well.
Task lighting is essential for key workspaces like the sink, oven, and countertops. The ideal option for this is to add recessed or under-cabinet lighting, depending on the size of your room. You can even consider strip lighting in areas of the room that need extra illumination.
Accent lighting, such as sconces, pendants, or over-cabinet lights, can dramatically affect your kitchen. These are great for adding a pop of color or highlighting other design elements in your room, like open shelving, artwork, or architectural features.
Cabinets are a major focal point in any kitchen, and you have many options for their design. A wide range of woods and various finishes and paints are available. If you want a unique look, consider opting for custom-made cabinets. They offer more customization options and can enhance your home’s resale value.
If you’re doing a total kitchen remodel, the first step is to empty your existing cabinets and declutter the space. You should also prepare a space to store the new products you’ll be purchasing, like wood cabinets and flooring. This will allow you to choose high-quality items without exceeding your budget.
If you choose a full replacement, the crew will frame and install new walls and then add windows and doors. They’ll also upgrade or replace plumbing and electrical fixtures as needed. This is a good time to switch to energy-efficient appliances, which can reduce your monthly bills and help the environment. Any structural changes in your home require a building permit, and it’s a good idea to consult a professional. They can ensure that all the necessary work is done safely.
Countertops have a major impact on the look of your kitchen. They should complement your cabinetry and flooring to create a cohesive design that will feel functional and comfortable. A well-designed kitchen with quality countertops also helps to increase your home’s resale value.
Many countertops are available to and Connecticut homeowners. Granite, marble, and solid surface countertops are durable, attractive, and offer a range of colors and patterns. Quartz countertops offer a wide range of looks that mimic popular natural stone varieties and can be more affordable than those other options.
Laminate is another popular countertop material that offers a variety of finishes to match your home decor. However, it scratches and stains easily and is not heat-resistant. Stainless steel counters are an excellent choice for contemporary homes and can be used with other stainless steel appliances and fixtures in your kitchen.
If you’re renovating on a budget, consider covering your countertops with contact paper to refresh their appearance without breaking the bank. This type of counter cover is also easy to install and can protect your existing counters from stains or spills for a few years before they need replacing.
A kitchen remodeling project is an ideal time to upgrade your floors. If you have the budget, consider a solid hardwood floor. Hickory, in particular, holds up well against water splatters and cooking oil drips. In addition to being a beautiful material, hardwood flooring adds warmth to the kitchen.
If you’re on a tight budget, you can choose from laminate planks or luxury vinyl tile (LVT) that looks like stone or wood. Both can withstand a lot of foot traffic and are easy to clean–a damp mop should do the trick.
Another popular option is concrete. This hardwearing material can be cast into various shapes and textures, making it suitable for both floors and countertops. It’s also an environmentally responsible choice.
Before the drywall goes up, your contractor should insulate the ceiling and walls. Spray foam provides the best blocking of outside temperatures and drafts, but fiberglass batt insulation is also viable. If you’re handy, you can save money by serving as your general contractor and hiring and supervising individual subcontractors such as carpenters, plumbers, electricians, and flooring pros yourself. However, the planning and scheduling can become more complex.
Electrical wiring is usually among the first construction tasks a kitchen remodel will need, especially for significant changes in a layout. While some DIYers can tackle this project, it’s best left to professional electricians with the experience and expertise to ensure all work is safe and up to code.
Larger remodeling projects may require substantial framing work, including tearing down walls and adding new windows or doors. This can also include expanding the existing plumbing or HVAC systems to accommodate new appliances and features. Professional plumbers, electricians, and HVAC contractors should handle this work since it involves major construction and tying into the existing system.
Most mid-size and larger kitchen remodels will need to upgrade a home’s service panel (breaker box) or add a subpanel to handle the extra circuits required by the project. Depending on the size and complexity of the job, this can be a complex and time-consuming task that should be done by a licensed electrician who has the experience to complete it correctly.
It’s also a good idea to consider upgrading or installing USB outlets for charging devices when installing new kitchen circuits. This can be a great modern convenience for busy families. Large appliances, such as ovens and refrigerators, should be placed on dedicated circuits to prevent overheating that can lead to fires.